Mattress clamp



Nov. 20, 1934.

A. M. SMITH 1,981,254

MATTRESS CLAMP Filed March 24, 1955 IL MIIHH BY 3 .f

Na l WW v ATTORNEYS.

- ticularly to a Patented Nov. 20, 1934 Arthur M. Smith, Oakland, Calif.,

' The Home Company,

assignor to, I

Inc'., San Francisco,

Calif., a corporation .of New York Application March 24, 1933, Serial No. 662,520

3 Claims. (Cl. 24-725) This invention relates to a clamp of the type used in folding beds, wall beds, and like structures, to secure the mattress and bedding in place when the bed frame is up-ended, and par clamp of this character which may be quickly released and swung to a point below the mattress and bedding when the bed is extended and made up for use.

The object of the present invention is to generally improve and simplify the construction and operation of clamps of the character described, and in particular, to provide a clamp and a support therefor which may be attached to the end rail of a bed frame and which may be folded or swung to assume a position parallel to the end rail so as to assume a position below the mattress when the bed is made up or occupied for use. This position of the support and the clamping member carried thereby increases the useful length of the bed by removing obstructions of any character from the foot end of the mattress, and at the same time facilitates making up of the bed as the end of the mattress is free to be lifted to permit the sheets, etc., to be tucked in under the same.

The invention is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the mattress clamp showing the same attached to the end rail of the bed frame.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same.

Fig. 3 is a side elevation in section, and

Fig. 4 is an end view.

Referring to the drawing in detail, and particularly Figs. 1 and 2, A indicates the end rail of a bed frame, such as used in folding beds, wall beds, and the like, 2 indicates one of the side rails of the frame, 3 the spring structure, 4 a mattress placed upon the spring structure, and 5 the bedding.

Bed frames of the character described are usually pivotally supported at a point adjacent the head end of the bed, and are swung about this pivot to assume a vertical position so as to occupy a minimum space when placed in a closet, or the like. Numerous types of mattress clamps are employed for the purpose of retaining the mattress and bed in position when the vertical position is assumed, but practically all devices of this character form an obstruction at the foot end of the bed, which either reduces the useful length of the bed proper, or reduces accessibility to the end portion of the mattress. For instance, when it is desired to lift the mattress to tuck the bed sheets, etc., under the same.

' cally of the rod 10, this action being In the present instance these objectionshave been entirely overcome by attaching the clamps to the end rail of the bed frame in the following manner. Suitably secured to the end rail A as by rivets, or the like, is a plate or clamping arm 6. 80 One end of the arm is bent at right angles to form a portion 7, and this portion is again bent in under the end rail and suitably secured thereto. The arm is slotted as at 8 to form a shoulder 9, g and the portion 7 of the arm is separated from 66- the rail a sufficient distance to form a space for a rod 10. This rod is pivotally attached to the end rail at its lower end by means of a pin 11, or the like, and the rod may be swung to assume either a vertical position, as shown in Fig. 1, or a 70 horizontal position, as indicated by dotted lines at 10a. The rod 10 functions as a support for the clamping arm which is indicated at 12. The clamping arm consists of an arm and a hub member 13, the hub member being freely slidable on the rod 10 and having a sufficiently loose fit with relation to the rod that a slight tilting and biting action may be obtained when pressure is applied to the outer end of the clamping arm 12. This biting action forms a lock to secure the 86 mattress clamp in any adjusted position verticommon and well known. To facilitate gripping and holding of the mattress and the bedding placed thereon, arm 6 is preferably offset as shown at 6a, see 88 Fig. 3, so that when the clamping arm 12 is forced downwardly against the bedding and the mattress a portion of the mattress is at the same time forced into the offset portion 6a. A better grip is thus obtained and the mattress and 90" bedding are more securely held when an upended position is assumed.

In actual practice clamping arm 12 and its supporting member, to-wit, the rod 10, will assume a vertical position, as shown in in that position will clamp and secure the mattress and bedding when the bed is to be up-ended.

On the other hand, if the bed is extended and is to be made up for use the clamping arm 12 is released and swung about the rod 10 and the rod, together with the clamping arm, is then swung about the pivot 11 to assume the dotted line position 10a where it is supported by a pin 11a. In this position the clamping arm andits support lie parallel to the end rail A at a point below the mattress. The useful length of the mattress or bed is thereby increased as all obstructions are removed from the end of the mattress and at the same time making up of the bed is facilitated, as the end of the mattress is clear, hence permit- 1'10 Fig. 3, and 95* bedtion are more or less specifically described, I Wish it understood that various changes may be resorted to within the scope of the appended claims. Similarly, that the materials and finish of the several parts employed may be such as the manufacturer may decide, or varying conditions or uses may demand.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is-- l. A device for clamping the mattress and bedding in a tilting bed comprising a rod pivotally attaohedto the foot end of the bed frame and adapted to assume either a vertical position or a horizontal position parallel to the end of the frame, a clamping member rotatable and longitudinally adjustable on the rod to engage and secure the mattress and bedding with relation to the foot end of the frame, and a cooperating stationary clamping arm securedto the foot end of the frame and extending in under the mattress.

2. A device for clamping the mattress and bedclamping arm secured to'the foot end of the bed frame and extending in under the mattress, a rod pivotally secured to the foot end of the frame at a point in alignment with the stationary clamping arm, said rod being adapted to be swung about its pivotal end to assume a vertical position atright angles to the frame, or a horizontal position parallel tothe frame, means on the'frame to support the rod in a horizontal position, other means to secure the rod in a vertical position,

ding in a tilting bed comprising a stationary and a clamping arm rotatable and longitudinally adjustable on the rod.

3. A device for clamping the mattress and bedding in a tilting bed comprising a stationary clamping arm secured to the foot end of the bed frame and extending in under the mattress, a rod pivotally secured to the foot end of the frame at a point in alignment with the stationary clamping arm, said rod being adapted to be swung about its pivotal end to assume a vertical position at right angles to the frame, or a horizontal position parallel to the frame, a pin on the frame supporting the rod in horizontal position, a shoulder on the stationary clamping arm and engageable with one side of the rod to support it in vertical position, and a clamping arm rotatable and longitudinally adjustable on the rod.

ARTHUR M. SMITH. 

